Lighty Says Six Are Strong

Dave Telep

02/24/2005

David Lighty, a wing man from St. Joseph High in Ohio, tells us who is on him the hardest and what position he's most comfortable with in college.

David Lighty took the summer circuit by storm last year. For starters, the 6-foot-5 SF/SG out of Villa Angela (Ohio) St. Joseph High was named an ABCD Camp all-star. Then, Lighty played his tail off in Vegas with the Cleveland Titans.

For his efforts, Scout.com snuck him into the Top 25 at No. 13 and he's responded with an outstanding junior campaign. Lighty would be the No. 1 player in his state if there weren't a wing named Daequan Cook playing in his area.

"He's pretty good," Lighty said. "I'd say we're both even."

Well, the question of who is better will be answered in the coming months. Just know this, the former football player is going to get a chance to make his case and you'd better take him seriously.

We've got him listed as a small forward because of his athleticism and versatility but he sees himself playing mainly shooting guard as he advances in level.

"I play guard most of the time out on the wing," Lighty said. "I play my best in transition and in the open, running the floor." Lighty, who watched his fair share of hoop, likes how North Carolina and Arizona get up and down the court.

In terms of intensity, Lighty said he thought Michigan, Ohio State and Syracuse were recruiting him the hardest but he's still learning the ins and outs of programs. "I would say Syracuse, Michigan, Arizona and Ohio State are the ones I'm most familiar with," Lighty said.

So, how does a program separate itself in the chase to obtain his signature? "I think they've got to be themselves and see how I fit in with them, the coaching staff and the players."

Lighty has not taken the SAT so the earliest he could begin taking official visits would be in April.